Gua Lou Zi (Trichosanthes kirilowii) — Dried Food-Herb Seeds for Tea & Soup, 500g

Gua Lou Zi (Trichosanthes kirilowii) are the dried, naturally sun-cured seeds of a traditional food herb known in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as Guā Lóu Zǐ (瓜蒌籽), also written Gua Lou Ren, Kuo Lou Zi, or Trichosanthes Seed. Long prized as a moistening, qi-smoothing herb, Gua Lou Zi has been used in teas, congee, and gentle daily tonics. Its nature is sweet and slightly cold, making it a mild yet nourishing seed for moistening dryness, easing the chest, and supporting smooth flow of qi.

Key Selling Points

• Traditional food-herb seed (药食同源)
• Naturally sun-dried, new-crop quality
• Trichosanthes kirilowii botanical identity
• Suitable for tea, congee, and soup
• 500g sealed pack, refrigerated storage

Quality & Sensory

Each batch is naturally sun-dried to preserve the seeds' pale tan to light brown color, smooth flattened oval shape, and clean, faintly nutty aroma. When brewed or simmered, the seeds soften and release a mild, subtly sweet and gently earthy flavor with a soft, slightly oily mouthfeel, adding quiet body to teas and broths without overpowering other ingredients.

Technical Specifications

Usage Scenarios

• Herbal tea blends and daily infusions
• Congee and grain porridge
• Chinese-style soup and broth
• Seasonal moistening tonic
• Soup-pack ingredient

Traditional Uses

In folk herbal practice, Gua Lou Zi is decocted into soups, congee, and gentle daily tonics to support moistening during dry seasons and to ease the chest. It is a common ingredient in autumn and winter soup packs, where it pairs with ingredients like lily bulb, apricot kernel, and honey. As a tea, it is brewed alone or blended with chrysanthemum and honey for a light, mildly sweet infusion.

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